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The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair presents visitors with a selection of its latest publications for 2025. Among the featured releases is the book  titled, “Islam and the West: An Inquiry into Causes of Discord and Prospects for Cultural Exchange” by Mohamed Al-Benyaydi, published by Al-Hokama Center for Peace Research.

This book sheds light on the importance of understanding the experience of Islam and its interaction with the West. It delves into the historical and cultural exchanges that have unfolded since the advent of Islam and explores the evolution of this relationship in modern times. The book examines the concept of “the other,” its philosophical roots, societal structures, and cultural practices, while also addressing the potential for cultural exchange as an alternative to conflict. It calls for new intellectual narratives that challenge existing stereotypes and strive for a balanced perspective in mutual understanding—one that recognizes the unique contributions of Islamic and Western civilizations as part of a shared human experience.

The book emphasizes that both sides have developed exaggerated and distorted perceptions of each other over time. The West has failed to form a genuine understanding of Islam, while many Muslims have not critically reexamined their views of Western civilization. In response, Muslim intellectuals have raised the critical question of the “Islam-West relationship” with the aim of fostering a new paradigm for peaceful coexistence and global stability. Central to this effort is the need to reexamine the essence of “the West” as a foundational step toward achieving global harmony and stability.

The book provides a comprehensive perspective on the historical context needed to better understand the nature of the relationship between Islam and the West. It advocates moving beyond the entrenched misunderstandings that have fueled ongoing animosities, offering a forward-looking approach to contemporary debates on this subject. It paves the way for enlightened dialogue that incorporates historical contexts, promotes mutual respect, and, most importantly, establishes a collaborative future to address humanity’s shared challenges—irrespective of identity or background.

As part of this exploration, the book engages with the discipline of “Occidentalism” or “Western Studies,” positioning the West itself as a subject of academic inquiry. By doing so, it aims to provide a robust understanding of Western civilization, which could serve as a foundation for building constructive future relationships and presenting an informed critique. This effort aligns with the foresight studies pursued by Al-Hokama Center for Peace Research, under the Muslim Council of Elders.

To achieve its goals, the book starts with theoretical frameworks, including an analysis of the concept of “the other” within Islamic thought as reflected in the Qur’an, Prophetic traditions, and historical experiences. It further examines the concepts of Occidentalism and Westernization, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between the two, and underscores the need for renewed exploration of Western philosophical and cultural structures. Additionally, it discusses trends in modern and contemporary Islamic Occidentalism and seeks to develop a comprehensive understanding of the field.

The book then delves into the historical conflicts between the Islamic and Western worlds and explores the possibilities of cultural exchange. It highlights the potential for communicative and civilizational engagement between the two civilizations in today’s globalized world. The conclusion stresses the necessity of reinvigorating theoretical research on dialogue among civilizations and rescuing it from the pitfalls of persistent mutual misunderstanding.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a dedicated stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, taking place from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand features a wide range of the Council’s distinguished publications and hosts a variety of events, seminars, and activities aimed at promoting values of goodness, love, peace, and coexistence among all people.

The Council’s stand is located next to Al-Azhar’s stand in the Heritage Hall (Hall 4) at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in the 5th Settlement, Cairo.

Prof. Dr. Ahmed Rabie, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Arabic Language, Al-Azhar University: Preachers and reformers play a key role in guiding human behavior toward goodness through kind words and exemplary conduct.

Prof. Dr. Mohamed Al-Mahdi, Head of the Department of Psychiatry, Al-Azhar University: The Glorious Quran has saved human souls from many psychological illnesses, guiding them to tranquility and answering their most troubling questions.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair hosted its second cultural seminar, titled “Determinants of Human Behavior: Religious and Medical Perspectives.” The seminar featured Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ali Rabie, Professor of Arabic Linguistics and Vice Dean of the Faculty of Arabic Language at Al-Azhar University, and Prof. Dr. Mohamed Al-Mahdi, Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry at Al-Azhar University. The seminar was moderated by media expert Dr. Saad Al-Mataani.

During the seminar, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Rabie emphasized that human behavior is intrinsically tied to the science of ethics, encompassing all actions that regulate a person’s life and lead them to happiness in the Hereafter. He highlighted the importance of being mindful of one’s behavior with God, oneself, and others to achieve success in both worlds.

Dr. Rabie also noted that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) embodied the highest model of upbringing and conduct in all his interactions, dealing with kindness and responding to wrongs with good. He stressed the crucial role of preachers and reformers in guiding human behavior toward goodness through kind words and exemplary actions.

For his part, Prof. Dr. Mohamed Al-Mahdi explained that human behavior consists of all actions that respond to internal or external stimuli. He criticized the limitations of many schools of thought in analyzing human behavior, such as psychoanalytic, behavioral, and humanistic approaches, highlighting the Glorious Quran’s advanced understanding of the human soul and its guidance for virtuous behavior.

Dr. Al-Mahdi further stated that a person’s behavior and life can only be harmonious if they refine their conduct with God, themselves, and others. He noted that Islam disciplines human desires, shielding individuals from being overwhelmed by such worldly cravings. He also emphasized that the Glorious Quran has saved human souls from numerous psychological ailments, directing them toward peace of mind and providing answers to the most unsettling questions they face.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating in the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, held from January 23 to February 5, 2025, with a dedicated stand showcasing a wide range of distinguished publications. The stand also hosts various seminars, activities, and events aimed at promoting values of goodness, love, peace, and coexistence among all people.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand is located next to Al-Azhar’s stand in the Heritage Hall (Hall 4) at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in the 5th Settlement, Cairo.

On the Official Opening Day: Al-Azhar Leaders Visit the Muslim Council of Elders’ Stand at the Cairo International Book Fair

Today, the activities of the Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the 56th edition of the Cairo International Book Fair 2025 were officially launched in Cairo, Egypt. Running from January 23 to February 5, 2025, the Council’s participation in the book fair highlights its mission to promote peace, foster tolerance, and build bridges of communication and coexistence.

On its opening day, the stand welcomed several distinguished officials and leaders of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, including His Eminence Prof. Dr. Nazir Ayyad, Grand Mufti of Egypt; His Eminence Prof. Dr. Mohamed Abdel Rahman El-Duwaini, Deputy of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif; His Eminence Prof. Salama Dawood, President of Al-Azhar University; His Eminence Prof. Dr. Muhammad Al-Jundi, Secretary-General of the Islamic Research Academy; and His Eminence Sheikh Ayman Abdel Ghani, Head of Al-Azhar Institutes Sector. The delegation toured the stand’s various sections and commended the Council’s diverse intellectual and cultural publications, which aim to promote peace, coexistence, and the re-publication of treasures of Islamic heritage. These efforts contribute to raising awareness and disseminating enlightened, moderate thought.

This year, the Muslim Council of Elders’ stand showcases more than 250 publications, including the latest releases from Al-Hokama Center for Peace Research for 2025. These works address critical intellectual and cultural issues, promote tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity, and counter all forms of extremism, hatred, and discrimination. The stand also hosts a rich cultural and intellectual program featuring more than 14 seminars. These seminars, led by a distinguished group of scholars, intellectuals, and academics, explore crucial themes such as peace and development in Africa, the foundations of human behavior, renewal in Islamic theology, the role of media in fostering societal awareness, the relationship between Islamic philosophy and modern challenges, and the impact of translation movements on Islamic studies.

It is worth noting that the Cairo International Book Fair is one of the largest book fairs in the world, attracting nearly 5 million visitors annually. The fair plays a pivotal role in preserving and fostering cultural identity by providing readers with access to their cultural heritage and the latest literary and intellectual works. It also reflects the diversity of the Arab and global cultural landscape, showcasing literary contributions that shed light on societal and human issues.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand is located at Booth B43, Hall 4, at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in New Cairo, Cairo, Egypt.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the 2025 Cairo International Book Fair hosted its first cultural seminar, titled “Isnad as a Pillar of Religion: An Analysis of Its Concept and Guidelines.” The seminar featured Prof. Dr. Ahmed Mabed Abdelkarim, a member of Al-Azhar’s Council of Senior Scholars, and was moderated by Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Mabed, Head of the Central Administration for Technical Affairs at Al-Azhar.

At the outset of the seminar, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Mabed emphasized that the Prophetic Sunnah is preserved by Allah Almighty. He highlighted the continuous efforts of scholars throughout generations to authenticate the chains of transmission (Isnad) of the Prophetic traditions. He explained that any gaps left by earlier scholars were addressed by later scholars, with books on narrators, transmission defects, and Hadith collection methodologies serving as a testament to these efforts.

He further explained that all matters of religion are rooted in divine revelation, which is either recited revelation (in the form of the Quran) or reported revelation (meaning the Prophetic Sunnah). He noted that just as Allah has preserved the Quran, He has also preserved the Prophetic explanations of the Quran. He cited the Quranic verse: “Nor does he speak out of (his own) desire. It is not but a revelation that is revealed” [The Quran, 53:3-4], emphasizing that the Prophet (peace be upon him) based the entirety of religion on what was divinely revealed to him.

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Abdelkarim also elaborated on how the Companions of the Prophet (may Allah be pleased with them) upheld the responsibility of preserving the Sunnah with the utmost integrity. He noted that their integrity and trustworthiness are divinely affirmed in the Quran, leaving no room for doubt about their credibility. He further explained that the generations following the Companions continued to uphold this sacred trust, ensuring the preservation of the Sunnah for future generations.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a dedicated stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, running from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand features a wide range of the Council’s distinguished publications and hosts various seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting values of goodness, love, peace, and coexistence among all people.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand is located next to Al-Azhar’s stand in the Heritage Hall (Hall 4) at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in the 5th Settlement, Cairo.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair presents its visitors with a selection of its latest publications for 2025. Among the highlights is the book titled “100 Questions on Methodology, Creed, and Sharia.” Supervised by Prof. Dr. Nazir Ayyad, the Grand Mufti of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the book includes a thoughtful foreword by Dr. Ayyad and an insightful introduction by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders. This initiative stems from the Council’s efforts to dispel false notions and spread enlightened moderate thought.

The book compiles one hundred questions, presenting them to Muslims along with answers to some of the most significant and common doubts exploited by extremists to instigate unrest and deceive the youth. This book is a product of collaboration between Al-Azhar Al-Sharif’s scholars and researchers and the Muslim Council of Elders, an international institution committed to promoting peace, dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence among all people, regardless of their differences and diversity. The book provides thoughtful and scientifically grounded responses to these questions.

This publication emerges at a critical time when doubts and controversies are intensifying around religious practices, underscoring the urgent need to revitalize scholarly writing that addresses complex theological questions. These questions often polarize opinions between extreme conservatism, which imposes strict interpretations, and liberal attitudes which advocate discarding traditional values to adopt foreign customs.

The significance of this book lies in its effort to meet the intellectual needs of contemporary Muslims, encouraging them to understand their religion through scientifically grounded research, appreciate its values, and adopt a balanced approach. This approach requires awareness of the challenges faced by adherents as they discern the true principles of their faith amid widespread misconceptions. These are spread by external adversaries or misinformed insiders who, due to ignorance or distorted perspectives, falsely attribute beliefs to Islam that contradict its fundamental values of mercy, justice, and peace.

The book comprehensively addresses ten major themes: issues in methodology and creed; matters related to Ilm Al-Kalam (Islamic theology); issues surrounding Takfir (the practice of declaring a Muslim an apostate); Jihad-related topics; issues in Sharia politics; controversies around the noble Prophetic traditions; various problematic contemporary issues; dealings with non-Muslims; and the relationships between the Muslim world and the West. 

The critical inquiries addressed in the book include questions such as: What is the ruling on declaring a specific individual, previously considered a Muslim, a disbeliever (Kafir)? Are disbelief and the shedding of blood inherently linked? What does “the judgment of ignorance” (Hukm Al-Jahiliyyah) mean? What is the punishment for apostasy? Is the caliphate divinely mandated or a matter of human reasoning? How can one refute the claim of a contradiction between affiliation to faith and loyalty to one’s nation? Are consultation (Shura) and allegiance to the ruler fixed principles or subject to change? Does Islamic law conflict with the concept of the modern state? How did the Companions preserve the Prophetic Sunnah? What is Islam’s contribution to civilization? How do we counter Islamophobia? What is Islam’s stance on other religions and issues related to citizenship? What is the ruling on imitating non-Muslims? Is dividing territories into “Dar Al-Islam” and “Dar Al-Kufr” valid? These are just some of the one hundred questions explored. 

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a dedicated stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, running from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand features a wide array of the Council’s significant publications and is also hosting a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on spreading values of kindness, amity, peace, and coexistence among all people.

The stand is located next to Al-Azhar Al-Sharif’s stand in Heritage Hall (Hall No. 4) at the Egypt International Exhibition and Convention Center in the Fifth Settlement.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the 2025 Cairo International Book Fair features a standout publication titled “From the Quran’s Discourse on Humanity” by Ali Mohamed Hassan Al-Amari, a distinguished scholar from Al-Azhar Al-Sharif.

This work delves into the Quran’s detailed attention to humanity, presenting the argument that the Quran can be viewed as a universal book of human nature. It highlights how nearly every verse connects to human experiences, whether through direct mentions, implied references, or discussions centered on human affairs. The text reinforces the concept of humans as central to the Quranic narrative, appointed by God as stewards of the Earth, tasked with its development and benefiting from its resources—animals, plants, mountains, minerals, and all that humanity can innovate and produce. The book underscores that God has made the use of these resources readily accessible for human benefit, underscoring the divine design in harmonizing the natural world to support human life and prosperity.

The book discusses how the Quran extensively addresses various aspects of human life from conception to death, emphasizing guidance essential for the preservation and prosperity of human existence. It goes beyond merely setting the basic standards necessary for survival and growth, offering advice on achieving a fulfilled and complete life through commands, prohibitions, and etiquette designed to ensure happiness if followed correctly.

In the section titled “The Preservation of Humanity as a Primary Objective of the Quran,” the book highlights that God created humans, appointed them as stewards on Earth to enact His decrees and laws, and endowed them with the intellect to understand some mysteries of the universe through deep reflection and reasoning. It points out that God has made many of His creations serve humans, who, without such guidance, would be subject to the whims of nature and personal desires, leading to a survival of the fittest scenario where the strong could dominate the weak, and social cohesion could break down. This divine guidance is portrayed as crucial for sustaining human life on Earth in a manner that is far removed from the brutal existence of wild animals in the forest.

The book is structured into five main sections. The first section contains three chapters: “The Best Statement,” “Description of the Quran from Its Verses,” and “The Prophet’s Description of the Quran.” The second section includes four chapters: “Humanity,” “The Psychological Proof,” “Humanity in the First Verse of the Quran,” and “A Misguidance Warned Against by the Quran.” The third section discusses the objectives of the Quran and the preservation of humanity. The fourth section comprises three chapters: “Human Ethical Behavior as Presented by the Quran,” “Conscience,” and “Educating the Will.” The final section also has three chapters: “Adoption of Good Moral Values,” “Indecency,” and “Exemplary Human Conduct in the Quran.”

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a special stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, which runs from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand features a wide array of the Council’s distinguished publications, and it will host a series of seminars, activities, and events focusing on promoting values of kindness, amity, peace, and coexistence among all people.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand is located next to the Al-Azhar Al-Sharif’s stand in Heritage Hall (Hall No. 4) at the Egypt International Exhibition and Convention Center in the Fifth Settlement.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the 2025 Cairo International Book Fair offers visitors a variety of the latest releases from Al-Hokama Publishing for 2025, among which the book “Islamic Principles on Family Regulation” by Abu Al-Wafa Al-Maraghi, a scholar from Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, stands out.

The book underscores the family as the bedrock of society, a principle highly valued in Islam. It advocates for the unity, connection, and organization of the family unit, setting forth legal statutes and overarching principles designed to strengthen its framework and address any deficiencies that could weaken this solid foundation.

Given the significance of the subject, the author set out to create this book, elucidating, interpreting, and engaging with contemporary issues. He states: “This book addresses the Islamic family, compiling the core principles of family organization as decreed by Islam, drawn from the Quran, the Sunnah, and the insights of revered scholars. Each principle is meticulously sourced, and the text explicates the Islamic viewpoint on issues such as polygamy, divorce, and hijab, which have frequently been subjected to criticism by Islam’s detractors. Additionally, the book compares the dynamics of Islamic and Western families, highlighting the distinct foundational principles of each.

The book clarifies that Islam establishes detailed, clear principles for family organization, addressing the relationships among family members. These principles range from obligatory to recommended and favored, all aimed at ensuring the family’s functionality and stability. This framework allows the family to navigate life’s complexities with a clear understanding, free from the influence of whims and desires, and safeguarded against the corrosive effects of hatred and conflict.

The author highlights that while the family unit has received attention in modern times, with scholars studying and evolving systems to adapt to changing circumstances, considering it the foundational building block of a nation, Islam has provided this care for over fourteen centuries. Islam established enduring principles based on a deep understanding of human nature and individual characteristics, unlike fleeting experimental approaches seen in human-devised principles, which may be accepted today and rejected tomorrow.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a dedicated stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, running from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand features a selection of the Council’s distinguished publications, along with a series of seminars, activities, and events aimed at promoting values of kindness, amity, peace, and coexistence among all people.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand is located next to the Al-Azhar Al-Sharif’s stand in Hall 4, at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in the Fifth Settlement.

The Muslim Council of Elders participated in the Future World Chan Forum, organized by the Europe-Asia Center, Shaolin Temple, and the World Meditation Foundation (WMF), in collaboration with the Global Center for Sustainable Development Goals and Leadership Skills Development under the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), Singapore. The forum was held at Shaolin Temple in Henan Province, China, from January 19 to January 22, with the presence of elite leaders, decision-makers, and thinkers from around the world.

During its participation in the opening session of the forum, the Muslim Council of Elders emphasized the pivotal role of contemplation and reflection in enhancing global peace and human well-being, internal balance, and deepening self-awareness. This effort contributes to building a bridge connecting different cultures and religions. The Council pointed out that Islam places deep thinking at the core of its teachings as a means to achieve inner peace and a profound understanding of the relationship between the Creator, humans, and their surroundings. It also highlighted that our shared human values remind us that, despite the diversity in the expression of our spiritual traditions, they converge towards a single goal: to strive for a more peaceful and just world.

Furthermore, the Council added that the Document on Human Fraternity, signed by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019, is a living example of the power of interfaith cooperation in promoting values of peace and mutual respect. The Council continues to support all initiatives that prioritize dialogue and understanding to address global issues such as conflicts, inequality, and environmental degradation. It calls for the importance of drawing wisdom from spiritual traditions to enhance cooperation among peoples and work towards building a sustainable future characterized by peace and harmony for future generations.

In the same context, the Muslim Council of Elders participated in a panel discussion titled “Paths to Developing Environmental, Social, and Institutional Governance from a Global Governance Perspective.” The session explored ways to enhance the development of environmental, social, and institutional governance from the perspective of global social governance. The Council emphasized the crucial role that wisdom plays in building a more just and peaceful world, highlighting its deep commitment to enhancing dialogue and cooperation among religious leaders and unifying their ethical voices in addressing global challenges. This commitment is manifested through numerous initiatives and leading activities, including holding seven rounds of East-West dialogue, sending more than 15 peace convoys around the world, and gathering religious leaders in Abu Dhabi in 2023 to sign “The Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement on Climate Change.” This statement was a collective call to action on climate change ahead of the COP28 conference. Additionally, the Council organized the Faith Pavilion at COP28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, showcasing the vital role that spiritual values play in addressing global crises, particularly climate change.

The Muslim Council of Elders also participated in launching the “Seeds of Fraternity” initiative, which was introduced during the forum’s events. This initiative aims to enhance values of friendship, understanding, and respect among people and communities from diverse cultural backgrounds. It seeks to break down barriers between East and West to address global challenges collaboratively and make tangible progress in various sustainable development goals. The initiative includes a series of activities, most notably organizing “East Meets West” events showcasing 108 cultural topics that integrate arts, philosophy, and history, conducting global dialogues about the civilization of fraternity with international leaders to devise solutions for shared challenges, building a diverse educational system in cooperation with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research to offer programs focusing on sustainable development and intercultural communication, and establishing a global cooperation network among governments, organizations, and institutions to support cultural, environmental, and educational projects.

It is worth mentioning that the Future World Chan Forum brought together experts and meditators from various cultures, religions, and fields to explore how to enhance meditation for individual well-being and the harmonious development of the global community within a global framework, laying the groundwork for establishing a “Global Meditation Council” to promote global cooperation and integration in this field.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair presents to its visitors the book “Religion and the Nations of Greater Asia: Managing Religious and Ethnic Pluralism in China and India.” This is one of the Council’s latest publications for 2025 and is a collaborative work by the team behind the project Peace and the Religious and Ethnic Map of Asia, published by the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research.

The book delves into the study of religious and ethnic pluralism in Asia, with a particular focus on China and India as the two most populous and societally diverse nations. It also addresses the complexity of the concept of identity, shaped by a rich historical and cultural heritage. It examines how this diverse heritage has endured, maintaining its strong presence as a unique global model to this day.

The book emphasizes that Asia represents the most religiously and ethnically diverse geographical area for Muslims, given the global demographic map. Moreover, this geographical expanse is a key determinant for assessing future global power dynamics and interactions, particularly with the rise of China and India in cultural, economic, and strategic dimensions. The book argues that global peace largely depends on achieving stability in Asia, as the aspects of cooperation and conflict within the region inevitably extend to other parts of the world, including Africa, the Arab World, Europe, and the Americas.

The book also highlights that the reality and future of Muslims in Asia cannot be separated from the historical development of other nations, religions, and civilizations in the region, such as Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Christianity, and others. Given the diverse ethnicities and languages of Muslims in this region, it is natural for there to be connections between the same ethnic groups that form parts of the ethnic makeup of other religions and philosophies.

The book points out that religious considerations are not the primary factor behind the outbreak of many conflicts in Asia or elsewhere. Instead, religion is sometimes used as a tool to serve other objectives. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the particularities of each crisis in Asia and examine them in their various contexts and extensions, both domestically and internationally.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a dedicated stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, running from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand features a wide array of the Council’s distinguished publications, alongside a series of seminars, activities, and events aimed at promoting values of goodness, love, peace, and coexistence among all people.

The Council’s stand is located next to Al-Azhar’s stand in Hall 4 (Heritage Hall) at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in New Cairo’s Fifth Settlement.

The Muslim Council of Elders is taking part in the 56th Cairo International Book Fair with a special stand. The fair will take place under the theme ‘Read… In the Beginning Was the Word,’ from January 23 to February 5, 2025, in Cairo, the Egyptian capital. The Council’s participation is driven by its mission to promote peace, foster values of dialogue and tolerance, and build bridges of cooperation and coexistence.

Throughout the fair, the Muslim Council of Elders’ stand will showcase more than 250 diverse intellectual and cultural releases, including several of the latest publications from Al-Hokama Publishing for the year 2025. These include books such as “Religion and the Nations of Greater Asia: Managing Religious and Ethnic Pluralism in China and India,” “Peace in Africa: Studies and Perspectives on Enhancing Stability and Development,” “The Making of International Peace: Drawing from Shared Contexts,” and “International Peace: Shared Values and Institutional Concepts,” authored by a group of researchers from the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research. Additionally, the book “Islam and the West: An Approach to the Causes of Confrontation and a Survey of the Conditions for Intercultural Exchange” by Dr. Mohamed Elbenayadi, “The Quran’s Discourse on Humanity” by Ali Mohamed Hassan Al-Amari, a senior scholar at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, “Imam al-Haramayn and His Influence on the Development of the Ash’ari School” by Ali Mohamed Jaber, a senior scholar at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, and “Islamic Principles on Family Planning” by Abu Al-Wafa Al-Maraghi, a senior scholar at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, will also be featured.

Coinciding with the Muslim Council of Elders’ preparations to organize the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference in February, in response to the call of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, to enhance Islamic affairs and the unity of Muslims, and to affirm that religious fraternity is the driver of human fraternity, the Council’s stand at the Cairo International Book Fair will feature several works addressing this central issue. These include the book “Conflict Management in the Muslim World” by Dr. Idris Qasim, a researcher in foreign policy issues and a Doctor of Public Law, and the book “Problems of the Ummah’s Division into Sunnis and Shiites” by the Islamic thinker Dr. Elias Belka.
 
The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand also features over 20 works by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, aimed at introducing the benevolence of Islam and the richness of its intellectual and philosophical heritage. Among these are “Al-Qawl Al-Tayyib,” “From My Old Notebooks,” “A View on East-West Dialogue,” “An Introduction to the Study of Traditional Logic,” “Discussions on Causes and Objectives,” “On the Sufi Theological Terminology,” “Heritage and Renewal,” “For the Sake of Peace,” “Insights into the Thought of Imam Al-Ash’ari,” “Ethics and Values,” “Towards Contemporary Juridical Ijtihad,” “Aisha, the Mother of the Believers,” and others.

In the same context, the Council’s stand offers several important publications, including “Love in the Holy Quran” by HRH Prince Ghazi Bin Muhammad, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the book “The Grand Imam and the Pope: A Thorny Path – A Testimony to the Birth of the Document on Human Fraternity” by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the book “Rules of Understanding and Mutual Understanding in Thought and Language,” by Dr. Mustafa Benhamza, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the book “Muslims at a Crossroads” by the late Dr. Mahmoud Hamdy Zaqzouq, and “Interfaith Encounters in Al-Andalus and Morocco” by Dr. Jaafar ben El Haj Soulami. 

 
 Recognizing the importance of translation as a bridge between civilizations in constructive communication, the Muslim Council of Elders continues its diligent efforts to translate numerous books aimed at promoting peace. This year, the Council presents several notable translated publications, including “The Voice of Change” and “Shared Global Values and Making International Peace” by a group of researchers. Additionally, there are other translated works such as “Confronting Islamophobia in Europe” by various researchers, “Islam and Good Governance” by Prof. Dr. Muqtedar Khan, and “Islam, the West, and Tolerance: Conceiving Coexistence” by Aaron Tyler, among others.

Moreover, the Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair hosts over 14 cultural and intellectual seminars featuring a selection of scholars, thinkers, and academics discussing key topics and issues. These include the determinants of human behavior, peace in Africa, Islam and the desired fraternity: goals and means, media and enhancing community awareness, theology and the question of renewal, reason and its stance on the signs of prophethood, Islamic philosophy and contemporary issues and its role in presenting innovative visions to address these issues, as well as Islamic studies and the translation movement, and the Ash’ari doctrine in Western academies.

Notably, the Cairo International Book Fair is one of the largest book fairs in the world, attracting about 5 million visitors annually. It plays a pivotal role in preserving and enhancing cultural identity by providing readers the opportunity to explore their cultural heritage and the latest literary and intellectual releases. It also reflects the diversity of the Arab and human cultural scene and highlights literary works that focus on social and humanitarian issues.
The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand